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Introduction. Allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis (with/without polyps) are chronic inflammatory diseases of the nose and often accompany asthma, aggravating its severity.Aim of the study. Тo determine the phenotypes, spectrum of sensitization and severity of chronic inflammatory diseases of the nose in patients with severe bronchial asthma receiving immunobiological therapy in the Sverdlovsk region.Materials and methods. The territorial register of adult patients with severe bronchial asthma (n = 85) who received immunobiological therapy in the Sverdlovsk region in October 2021 was analyzed. When diagnosing chronic inflammatory diseases of the nose, an examination by an otorhinolaryngologist and computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses were performed; were determined: the absolute number of blood eosinophils, specific IgE to inhaled allergens, including the FadiatopTM method; skin tests were performed; assessment of the severity of nasal symptoms was determined using the SNOT-22, VAS.Results. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the nose were reported in 89.4% of patients. Allergic rhinitis occurred in 54.1% of cases (n = 46). 54.3% (n = 25) were dominated by patients with a moderate course; severe course was observed in 28.3% of cases (n = 13). Allergic rhinitis in 92.3% of cases (n = 36) was accompanied by allergic asthma and in 71.4% (n = 10) – mixed. Sensitization to household allergens was more common, from seasonal allergens to tree pollen. Phadiatop was positive in all patients with allergic rhinitis and negative in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with/without nasal polyps. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis occurred in 35.3% of cases (n=30); nasal polyps were in 23.5% (n = 20). The highest rates of blood eosinophilia were in patients with concomitant chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps – 920 cells/µl. This phenotype in 95% of cases was accompanied by non-allergic (eosinophilic) asthma.Conclusion. Severe bronchial asthma is almost always accompanied by chronic inflammatory diseases of the nose. Phadiatop shows its high informativeness in determining the phenotype of allergic rhinitis.

This paper reports the first multidisciplinary petrologic, mineralogical, and geochemical studies of the near-crater tephra discharged by the 1669 catastrophic eruption of Etna stratovolcano, Sicily. We studied the grain-size distribution, chemical and mineral-phase composition of the tephra. We determined the composition of trace elements and the composition of encapsulated lithogenic gases. Etna is classified as an intraplate volcano with a deep-seated magma chamber. Of special importance is the fact that the Etnean products were found to contain volcanogenic organoids that have phase, elemental, and isotope compositions similar to the organoids encountered in diamond-bearing products discharged by some Kamchatka volcanoes. This corroborates out earlier inference that carbonaceous abiogenesis is ubiquitous in the conditions of onshore volcanism.

The article presents the results of studying the chemical composition of ore-bearing rocks, as well as the mineralogy of base metal sulfides and platinum group elements (PGE), of the Nyud-II sulfide PGE–Cu–Ni deposit in the southwestern part of the Nyud massif of the Monchegorsk Pluton (Monchepluton). The ores of the deposit are represented by vein-disseminated and nest-schlieren types. They are characterized by significant predominance of Pd over Pt, fractionation of low-melting PGE (PPGE subgroup) with respect to high-melting ones (IPGE subgroup), and close correlations of Ni and Cu with S in the presence of increased As, Se, Te, and Bi contents. The S/Se ratios in ore (3470−3530) correspond to the mantle values. Among the platinum group minerals (PGM), the most widespread are Pt and Pd bismuth–tellurides and tellurides (merenskyite, michenerite, and moncheite), subordinate amounts of Pt–Fe alloys and sperrylite, and native osmium and Ir, Rh, and Pt sulfoarsenides (irarsite, hollingworthite, and platarsite). The formation of ore sulfide concentrations resulted from separation of an immiscible sulfide liquid upon cooling of a sulfur-saturated silicate magma with a mafic composition. Subsequent fractional crystallization of the sulfide liquid contributed to the uneven distribution of Ni, Cu, and PGE. PGE–sulfide ore formation took place in a fairly wide temperature range, starting at 1100−1000°C and ending at 600−400°C. At an early stage, IPGE minerals (native osmium and erlichmanite) separated. Upon cooling to a temperature of 1000−900°C, the sulfide liquid fractionated with the formation of monosulfide solid solution (mss), in which compatible IPGE were concentrated, and a residual sulfide liquid enriched in Ni, Cu, PtPGE, and chalcophile elements. With a further decrease in temperature (to 600°C), Pt–Fe alloys, sperrylite, and IPGE + Pt sulfoarsenides crystallized, with separation of the residual sulfide melt enriched in Cu, PPGE and chalcophile elements. At 600−400°C, ore formation ended with the complete crystallization of base metal sulfides and the formation of Pt and Pd bismuth–tellurides and tellurides.

We studied 14 samples of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, unicellular yeasts and green algae using optical, atomic force and analytical scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and isotope mass spectrometry. In shape, the cells of microorganisms vary from rod-shaped to lenticular and coccoid, in size they range from mesonanometer to micrometer. A strong positive correlation was found between the extreme cell sizes. An admixture of inorganic chemical elements — Mg, Ca, Ba, Na, K, Cu, Zn, P, S, Cl and submicron-sized precipitates of mineral phases — carbonates, phosphate sulfates, hydrogen sulfate phosphates, hydrogen phosphates, halite, kaolinite, was found in the chemical composition of the studied microorganisms, metal alloys of brass composition, baddeleyite. Among the 45 microelements identified in microorganisms, there were 7 essential elements (E), 17 physiogenically active (FA) and 19 abiotic (AB). The total concentration of trace elements ranged from 0.003—0.26 wt. %. The value of the essential coefficient — E / AB — averaged 196 ± 153. Microorganisms were characterized by a mixed fat-protein elemental composition, they contained 14 amino acids belonging to the aliphatic, aromatic, basic, acidic, hydroxyl, imino and sulfur-containing groups. The total amino acid content ranged from 409 to 942 (682 ± 221) mg/g. Up to half of the amino acids were represented by the left (L) and right (D) enantiomers. The degree of racemization (D / L) ranged from 0.01 to 0.37. Yeast and chlorella were characterized by the most isotopically heavy composition of carbon in combination with relatively isotopically light nitrogen. In bacteria, a statistically lighter carbon was found in combination with a much heavier nitrogen. According to a number of properties — the chemical composition of organic matter, microelements, the degree of enrichment with antibiotic elements, the content of amino acids and the degree of their racemization — gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria differed. In general, the studied biological microorganisms were fundamentally different from the abiogenic organic substances found in meteorites and products of modern volcanism regarding their elemental and amino acid composition, carbon and nitrogen isotopes.

The results from the analyzing lead isotopes of copper alloys of items from the Sosnovo-Mazinsky treasure and bronze objects of a comparative sample from archaeological sites of the Urals and Kazakhstan are presented. Comparative analysis of these data with the data of isotopic analysis of lead of copper ore from historical deposits in the Urals allowed for an assumption to be made about the likely use of several deposits, that is, copper–pyrite ores of the South Urals and Late Permian oxidized ores of the Urals from the Sakmaro-Samara mining and metallurgical region; ore of the third type, characterized by a highly radiogenic 208Pb/204Pb ratio, probably originates from deposits in northern Kazakhstan. The variability of the lead isotopic composition of the treasure items confirms the use of several ore deposits and the remelting of bronze scrap.

The article deals with the results of a study of a plant mixture from an ancient vessel found in the rich burial of the Isakovka I burial ground (the Gorkovsky district of the Omsk region, the right bank of the Irtysh River). According to archaeological material, the estimated date of the complex might be not earlier than the 1st–2nd centuries AD. The analysis of the substance was carried out by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC–MS) after acid methanolysis. The mixture contains aliphatic lipids (fatty acids, phytosterol), terpenes (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes and triterpenes) derived apparently from the large amounts of essential oils and resins of plant origin. The presence of a number of diagnostic compounds in the mixture composition (boswellic acid derivatives, amyrins, lupeol) suggests that frankincense from Boswellia resin is included in the mixture. Since psychotropic substances (cannabinoids and nicotinoids) have not been found, this combination may be characteristic of an aroma mixture or incense based on frankincense from Boswellia.

The paper presents results of comprehensive studies of the rock association composing the lower zone of the northeastern part of the Monchetundra mafic massif in the Monchegorsk ore district. The zone consists of orthopyroxenite, plagioorthopyroxenite, and norite, which are variably amphibolized and host numerous gabbroid injections from the upper zone of the massif. The chemical composition of the dominant rock-forming minerals of the rocks was studied. The orthopyroxenes of the lower zone of the Monchetundra massif (LZMM) notably differs from those of the Monchegorsk pluton (Monchepluton) in containing lower aluminum concentrations because of differences in the P–T parameters of their crystallization. According to mineral geothermobarometric data, the LZMM rocks crystallized at 1200–1000°C and approximately 6 kbar, at a depth of about 20 km, whereas the Monchepluton rocks crystallized at an average temperature of 1230°C and a pressure of 3 kbar in shallow conditions. The LZMM rocks are characterized by moderate magnesium and silica contents and by elevated iron and low titanium concentrations, are enriched in the light rare earth elements (LREE) and LILE (Rb, Ba, and Sr) but are depleted by HFSE (Nb and Ta). The behavior of major components in the rocks is similar to that in analogous rocks in the bottom axial part of the Monchetundra massif, lying at its basement. Moreover, all petro- and geochemical parameters of the LZMM rocks are close to those of the analogical rocks of the Monchepluton. The paper presents new U–Pb isotope-geochronological data on individual zircon grains from the LZMM rocks. The age of the orthopyroxenite is 2496.3 ± 2.7 Ma, and that of the norite is 2500 ± 2 Ma, which indicates that these rocks crystallized simultaneously (within the error). The orthopyroxenite has an age of 2452 ± 85 Ma and positive eNd(T) = +1.7, and the model age of the protolith T(DM) is 2.76 Ga according to data on the Sm–Nd of isotopic systematics. The possible parental melt of the rocks may have been komatiite contaminated with crustal material. The obtained results indicate that the Monchetundra massif is a composite intrusion, whose lower zone is similar to the layered intrusions and the upper one is made up of rocks belonging to the gabbro–anorthosite complex. The massif was formed by at least three pulses of magmatic activity (at 2.50, 2.47, and 2.45 Ga).

First time, the results of complex mineralogical and geochemical studies of fossil bone detritus of Pleistocene mammals from the Imanay Cave (South Urals) were obtained using optical and scanning electron microscopy, a statistical volumetric method for nanoporosity determination, thermal, X-ray structural and X-ray fluorescence analyzes, gas chromatography, IR, Raman and x-ray luminescent spectroscopy, ICP MS, and isotope mass spectrometry. The aim of the research was to obtain experimental data on the nature and degree of fossilization of bone remains in caves, and to assess the possibilities of paleoecological reconstructions from cave fossil bones. The data on the microstructure of bone remains, nanoporosity, chemical composition and concentration of trace elements, X-ray structural and thermal properties, isotopic composition of the mineral, and organic components in bones are discussed. According to the data obtained, fossilization of bone remains in caves is fundamentally different at all levels of structure and composition of fossil bones from those outside caves environments. In particular, cave bones are distinguished by intense epigenetic calcitization, 3—5 times higher CO2 content and abnormally high Ca/P atomic ratios, but they are many times inferior in terms of the content of illuminated mineral impurities, enrichment in microelements of the host geological environment, content of Corg and collagen. According to the isotopic composition of carbon and oxygen in bioapatite, cave bone detritus is abnormally heavy, approaching the isotopic composition of carbon and oxygen in marine limestones. Some paleoecological reconstructions are presented and evidence of the habitation of the late Neanderthals in the Imanai cave is considered.

Aim. To determine magnesium deficiency in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using a comprehensive clinical and laboratory approach. Methods. The prospective cohort study included 35 patients of the cardiology department of the Medical association «Novaya bolnitsa». The main group consisted of 22 patients with frequently recurrent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, the control group - 13 patients without cardiac arrhythmias. The clinical status, Holter-monitoring of the electrocardiogram, the results of the clinical test for magnesium deficiency, laboratory parameters of calcium, magnesium in blood plasma and formed elements, magnesium in whole blood, free fatty acids and plasma osmolarity were evaluated. Results. The clinical score of magnesium deficiency was significantly higher in patients from the main group compared to the control [16.5 (11÷21) vs 13 (8÷15), p

The results of modification of the Middle Timan high-iron bauxite by thermal radiation, including the earlier unknown phenomenon of phase heterogenization—formation of intrinsic minerals by originally endocryptically disseminated noble, nonferrous, rare and rare-earth micro-elements—are presented. It is possible to utilize this phenomenon for the purpose of commercial application of low-grade bauxite, red mud and other difficult ore.

Research subject. This article presents the results of a study undertaken to investigate the systematics of rare-earth elements (REE), Y, Th, U and Mn in the Upper Devonian conodonts of the Western Ural region of the foreland fold of the Southern Urals (Askyn and Makarovo horizons, Kukkarauk, Ryauzyak and Lemezinsky sections).Methods. The conodonts were isolated from carbonate rocks using the conventional method of their dissolution in organic acids, mainly formic acid. Sample preparation and mass spectrometric analysis were carried out in the class 1000 and 10 000 cleanroom facilities of the Zavaritsky Institute of Geology and Geochemistry. A PerkinElmer ELAN 9000 quadrupole ICP mass-spectrometer was used to determine the concentration of the trace elements under study. Sm and Nd isotope ratios were measured from a 3% nitric acid solution by a Thermo Fischer Neptune Plus multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometer. The long-term reproducibility and accuracy of the measurement procedure were evaluated using a standard Merck Nd solution based on the NIST Nd2O3 and yielded 143Nd/144Nd = 0.511720 ± 15 (1 SD, n = 40).Results. The established features of PAAS-normalised lanthanide distributions in the conodont bulk samples (10.4–21.8 mg), Ce-anomalies, high REE values (173–1211 ppm) and a number of other parameters indicate the leading role of late diagenetic processes in the formation of conodont REE systematics. This is also evidenced by the Y/Ho values (≈26–32) specific for the studied conodont samples.Conclusions. In general, the distribution of lanthanides in the conodonts suggests that this process was mainly controlled by a lithogenic (from 90 to more than 99%) REE source. The εNd (t) (–4.0…–2.8) values characteristic of the cono donts of the Askyn and Makarovo horizons suggest that their Nd isotopic composition was either formed under the influence of the open ocean (island arc basin), characterised by a significant share of radiogenic Nd, or due to the entry of radiogenic waters of the ocean into the shelf zone at the peak of the marine transgression that took place in the region under consideration in the Famennian.

The results of the mineralogical and geochemical study of the ash of the Klyuchevskoy and Kambalnyy volcanoes located in different geological conditions (Klyuchevskoy – Central Kamchatskaya Depression, Kambalnyy - Southeast end Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Ridge) were obtained in 2017, and allowed making following conclusions. The investigated ashes differ somewhat in chemical composition: the Klyuchevskoy volcano ash is close to andesibasalts, but that from Kambalnyy is close to andesites. According to the normative-mineral composition, they are composed of 65–87% basic plagioclases, 3–22% quartz, 6.5–14% Mg-Fe-Ca silicates (olivine, pyroxene, probably hornblende). In this case, the ashes from the volcano Kambalnyy are characterized by more acidic composition of plagioclase and higher content of quartz. The accessory minerals found in the ashes are presented by spinels (Ulviya magnetite, magnetite, and chromite), ilmenite, rutile, apatite, zircon, pyrite and native metallic-phase (Al, Cu, Fe). Pelitic (silty) fractions are enriched in quartz, but impoverished in Mg-Fe-Ca silicates. As a small admixture in the ash of the Cumulus volcano, titanite, andradite, kaolinite and gypsum are inherently resurgent. The fact of detecting the filamentous forms of abiogenic condensed organopolymer substance of CNO composition in the investigated ashes is of particular importance. It should be noted that, according to the isotope composition of carbon, these formations are identical to similar threads and particles identified in products of modern volcanism in the Kamchatka-Philippine island arc megabelt. Moreover, the analysis showed the presence in the ashes of the Kliuchevskoy and Kambalnyy volcanoes of the carbon substance, which carbon isotopic composition practically coincides with that in the organic filaments. Ashes contain 50 microelements divided into five groups: alkaline and alkaline earth, hydrolyzed, lanthanides, chalcoceridophiles, semi- and non-metals. The analysis leads to the conclusion that the predominantly plagioclase containing ash from both volcanoes show a 75% geochemical similarity to the deep source matter. According to the shape of the curves of chondritotropic concentrations of lanthanides, the ashes from both volcanoes are close to the basaltic lavas of TTI-50. The insignificance of the Eu anomaly on the most curves and the apparent moderate differentiation of the lanthanides indicate that the fractionation of plagioclases in the primary melts and the significant realization of the fractionation of olivine and pyroxenes are weak. Based on the granulometric and morphological homogeneity of particles and the presence of a significant content of fresh volcanic glass in ash from both volcanoes, it can be assumed that in both cases the ashes were predominantly or largely melt-formed, and primarily associated with deep magmatic chambers. It is supposed that the process of slow rise of magmatic melts with their fractionation and gravitational stratification into the lower Mg-Fe-silicate and upper aluminosilicate parts took place. Last eruption of the aluminosilicate substrate occurred in the ash form. Because of the viscosity and tendency to quick solidification, aluminum silicate magmatic magma plugged the channel thus preventing the eruption of the lava Hawaiian type.

Radiogenic Sr isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr) is widely used for rock and mineral geochronological dating in and for revealing isotopic chemostratigraphic correlations; it is an important tracer for geochemical processes and the sources and cycling of Sr in hydrologic and environmental studies; it is used for provenance studies in forensic science, food security, wildlife migration. Due to the differences in the efficiency of ion extraction, transmission and detection as a function of analyte mass, an isotope ratio measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) may by significantly biased from the corresponding true value. This phenomenon is referred to as mass discrimination (mass bias). In this paper, the various methods for correcting the mass bias in the isotopic analysis of strontium are considered. It is found that for standard samples and real samples with a complex matrix, the optimal way for accounting the mass bias is the internal correction according to the exponential law, as well as a combination of the internal correction and the bracketing methods using 87Sr/86Sr = 0.71026.

The studies of organic residues on the outer and inner surfaces of archaeological pottery can provide valuable information about the use of kitchen vessels by ancient people, as well as their lifestyle, diet, and culinary practices. Animal fats of various origins are most commonly found in soot from archaeological pottery. They can survive for long periods of time due to their hydrophobic properties. GC–MS analysis of archaeological pottery (Bozshakol site, Republic of Kazakhstan) showed that organic residues of soot are of animal origin, mainly from adipose tissue (fat) of cows and/ or sheep, but the presence of milk fat residues cannot be ruled out. Judging by the presence of biomarkers for the thermal conversion of fatty acids, ceramic vessels could be used not only for storage, but also for cooking on fire.

Background. The object of research is virtual reality systems, which are unique means of immersing the user in a conditionally modeled environment. The subject of the work is the study of the properties of known and previously developed virtual reality devices, advantages and disadvantages in terms of scaling in various branches of science and technology. The purpose of the work is to conduct an analytical literature review and analysis of known virtual reality devices, to present the most promising solutions in terms of fearless use for solving various technological problems. Materials and methods. The materials of the investigation was the search method of scientific and popular scientific works in Russian and foreign licensed databases E-library and Scopus by keyword: VR, virtual reality, history, review. Results. Presents the trends of virtual reality in the context of engineering and consumer decisions. Modern virtual devices, features of their application and comparative characteristics are considered. Conclusions. Virtual reality at the present stage of development may become a necessary form of decision support, with which you can significantly improve the efficiency of the work of specialists in the various fields of activity.

A complex mineralogical geochemical study of the bone detritus of large Pleistocene mammals inhabiting the Pechora Fore-Urals, the northernmost European part of their geographical range, is performed for the first time. The chemical composition, microstructure, content of 50 chemical elements are analyzed. The taphonomy of bones, extent of preservation of their initial properties, character and extent of fossilization are considered. The ultraporosity in the nanometer range is examined for the first time; it is established that it can be a marker of epigenetic changes in bones, beginning from the earliest stage of their fossilization. Based on X-ray structure and spectroscopic data, bone bioapatite is referred to carbonate–apatite of the B type. The results of thermal, chromatographic, and spectroscopic studies of collagen extracted from the bones of Pleistocene animals are discussed for the first time. The general trend of chemical degradation of bone proteins during fossilization is determined. The amino acid composition of bone collagen, the isotope composition of C, O, and N in biomineral and organic components of bones in the course of two-stage mass-spectrometer analysis of a complex sample are analyzed for the first time. Based on isotope-geochemical data conclusions concerning the diet and paleoclimatic and paleolandscape conditions of Pleistocene mammals are made.

We have generated and characterized HER2-specific targeted toxin based on the low-immunogenic variant of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (LoPE), in which most of the human immunodominant B-cell epitopes have been inactivated. Nonimmunoglobulin DARPin-based HER2-specific protein was used as a targeting module for toxin delivery to the cellular target. Using confocal microscopy, it has been found that both domains in this hybrid toxin retained their functionality, i.e., the specific interaction with HER2 receptor, as well as the internalization and effective transport to ER typical of the wild-type Pseudomonas exotoxin A. The HER2-dependent cytotoxic effect correlated with receptor expression level at the cell surface, as shown in vitro using cell lines with different levels of HER2 expression. Due to the very high selective cytotoxicity against HER2-positive human tumor cells, as well as expected low immunogenicity, we believe that this new targeted toxin may be promising for future in vivo studies as a therapeutic agent for HER2-positive tumors.

A fragment of the Sverdlovsk Meteorite, which was found in 1985 in the Central Urals, is studied by modern analytical methods. It belongs to H chondrites of petrologic type 4–5; shock stage of meteorite is S1-2, terrestrial weathering is W1. The composition of minerals of the meteorite is studied. It is found for the first time that the metal and sulfides are concentrated in fine veinlets of the recrystallized matrix of the chondrite and are accompanied by segregations of metal and troilite inside these veinlets. The distribution of trace elements of the metal phase of the meteorite is studied.

XRD is used to determine the phase composition of the Bronze age pottery. Chlorite and calcite presence and the lack of high-temperature newly formed minerals indicate low firing temperatures (650-800°C) that are characteristic of the bonfire firing technology. The oxidizing atmosphere is established for a number of ceramic fragments due to the presence of iron oxidized compounds (hematite and goethite). The quantitative data on the additive content (talc, calcite, etc.) in pottery is obtained.

Copper isotope ratios are determined by MC-ICP-MS in a number of Cis-Urals copper sandstones and products of their processing. Malachite crusts are characterized by positive δ65Cu (+1.33‰÷+1.96‰) whereas the sludge with flux additives and experimental glassy slag have the lowest negative δ65Cu values (-4.87‰÷-4.32‰). δ65Cu = −0.54‰ is found for copper ingot obtained during the experimental smelting. Copper matte and sludge have negative δ65Cu values ranging from -2.33 to -2.61‰.

The work presents the method for determining 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio in biogenic apatite by the multicollector (MC) ICP-MS using the standard-sample bracketing (SSB) technique with preliminary chromatographic separation of Sr. The calibration procedure of chromatographic technique using SR resin is described, including the experiment on the optimization of separation parameters. The effect of matrix elements, such as Na, Mg, P, Ca, Fe, Pb, Zn, In, K on the measurement of the Sr isotope ratio was studied. The analysis of Bone Meal SRM 1486 and Bone Ash SRM 1400 standard reference materials was carried out, and the expanded uncertainty was calculated. The obtained results are in good agreement with the published data.

A crystal of authigenic calcite filling the pores of Deltavjatia vjatkensis pareiasaur bone (Kotelnich pareiasaur site, Vyatka River, Russia) was investigated by LA-ICP-MS. Laser and mass-spectrometer operational parameters for trace element analysis were optimized. NIST SRM 610 glass was used for bracketing and CaO was used as an internal standard. Data reduction was performed using GLITTER V4.4 and IOLITE 3.71 software. Trace element geochemical maps were composed revealing the spatial features of calcite crystal.

Sedimentation environments were reconstructed for the Early Vendian successions of the western slope of the Central Urals, which comprises one of the most complete sections of the terminal Precambrian system in northern Eurasia. It was shown that, despite the presence of several diamictite levels in the sections of the Serebryanka Group, mature and multiply recycled fine-grained siliciclastic materials (CIA = 65–77) were delivered into the sedimentation basin over the whole Early Vendian. Based on the lithochemical characteristics of shales, the climate of Serebryanka time can be estimated as semiarid-semihumid, similar to that dominating in Late Vendian paleocatchments. Based on relatively high Mo/Mn values (0.011–0.024), it was suggested that anoxic or similar conditions existed in the basin of Buton time, whereas other sedimentary complexes of the Serebryanka Group were formed in well aerated environments. The systematics of Sr, Ba, Zr, Cu, and V in fine-grained siliciclastic rocks and Sr isotopic data for carbonate rocks indicate that the sediments were accumulated in a fresh-water basin. The values of trace-element indicator ratios, e.g., Th/Sc, La/Sc, Th/Cr and others, in the shales of the Serebryanka Group and Nd model age estimates indicate that a variety of mainly Early Proterozoic complexes, ranging from granitoids to basic rocks, occurred in the Early Vendian paleocatchments. The basic rocks were eroded most extensively probably in the end of Serebryanka time. Based on the Ce/Ce* values of shales, it was concluded that submarine volcanism had no significant influence on sedimentation processes in the Early Vendian. An exception is Koiva and Kernos time, when hematite-bearing shales were accumulated in association with pillow basalts in some zones of the basin. The distribution of the compositions of shales from various formations of the Serebryanka Group in discrimination diagrams suggests that the Early Vendian sedimentary sequences were formed in passive geodynamic settings.

The Vysokogornoe ore field is located within the Southern Verkhoyan synclinorium, which is a part of the Okhotsk volcanic belt. Metallogenically it is related to the Yudom segment of the Southern Verkhoyan Province specializing in silver–tin–poly� metallic ore. There is a united system of ore veins in aleuropsammite of the Verkhoyan terrigenous unit pararagenetically related to Cretaceous granite within the considered field. These veins are controlled by the zone of a regional fault of submeridional strike feath�

This article reports on the investigation of mechanical properties of carbon films deposited by dual magnetron sputtering system with closed and mirror magnetic field. There is shown that a-C films with predominantly sp2-phase have relatively high hardness (up to 20 GPa) and low friction index (~0.01). The influence of magnetic field on friction index is determined. The analysis of experimental data shows the obtained a-C samples can be used for biomedicine applications.